I have been looking the internet for like months in advance, and I searched for specific dresses I loved. Then I looked up al the dealers who had the dresses in the shops, and I start visiting all the shops untill I found my dress.
I always went with my mother an MIL, because thats kindda tradition in Holland I guess..we had alot of fun and always made it a day out with the girls. Just like you I hate staring people watching you when you come out of the fitting cubicle, I hate it when they do it when I shop for normal clothes, so with trying on these special wedding dresses its even worse I felt.
So I always planned my visits at the latest at the day, so the shop would be very quiet..just perfect for me...
I also had a huge problem with the sellers stending by me in de fitting area, while I was but naked, and they were lifting me in and out all kinds of dresses, sooo embarresing, but seriously, you dont have to worry about for one second, because these woman, have seen thousands and thousands of half nakes woman, in all sizes an shapes, and they know how to handle you,,I felt really comfortable after a few dresses, almost the same as if it was your mother.. they really want to make it very special for you!
I found my dress after visiting four shops. Now I found my dress, and Im very happy, but me and my moms miss the days out :-) They were alot of fun,,